A deadly NRM t-shirt stampede has claimed the life of Rose Ajiko, a 28-year-old mother of four, in Soroti District. The tragedy happened on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Aminit Primary School. Hundreds of NRM supporters had gathered there for a campaign rally organized by Soroti County MP Patrick Aeku. They rushed to collect free NRM t-shirts featuring President Museveni’s photo. In the chaos, Ajiko fell and the crowd trampled her.
Witnesses pulled her from the throng, but she was already struggling to breathe. She died while being rushed to Soroti Regional Referral Hospital. Her sister-in-law, Sarah Aibo, confirmed the heartbreaking details. “By the time we got her out, she could barely speak,” Aibo said. Ajiko leaves behind three boys and a two-year-old girl. Her husband now faces the daunting task of raising them alone.
Gabriel Engwau, LC1 secretary for Asuroi village and NRM chairperson, said Ajiko died trying to grab one of the NRM t-shirts. He called an ambulance immediately, but she passed away before reaching medical care. Her body remains in the hospital morgue as family members negotiate burial support with MP Aeku.
Local leaders reacted with alarm. Joseph Ecegu Ebanu, Kamuda sub-county LC3 chairperson, called the incident “deeply regrettable.” He urged party officials to change how they hand out campaign items. “Village NRM chairpersons should distribute the t-shirts calmly in their communities,” he said. “This rush must stop.”
The NRM t-shirt stampede has raised serious concerns about safety at political events. Free branded clothing draws huge crowds in rural areas where resources are limited. Without proper planning, these gatherings can turn deadly. Organizers must prioritize order over spectacle.
Imran Mulunga, Soroti’s Resident District Commissioner, said he would investigate the matter personally. Police have already opened a file on the case. District Police Commander Moses Olang confirmed they will summon rally organizers on Monday. “The stampede started when they dropped the NRM t-shirts with the president’s image,” Olang stated. “That’s when Ajiko lost her life.”
MP Patrick Aeku expressed deep sorrow and promised a dignified burial for Ajiko. He pledged to contact her family soon. Yet many residents say apologies are not enough. They want clear rules to prevent another tragedy like this NRM t-shirt stampede.
Political parties often use giveaways to build loyalty. But when logistics fail, innocent people pay the price. Distributing campaign gear should never risk lives. Leaders must act now to protect citizens—not just win votes.
Rose Ajiko’s children will grow up without their mother. Her death reminds us that poor crowd control can have irreversible consequences. Authorities must ensure that no one else dies reaching for a t-shirt.
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